Timberwolves' depth continues to make a statement amid 3-0 start
The Timberwolves are off to a 3-0 start, and their depth is already making a statement. Minnesota's supporting cast is proving it can make a difference.
Latest news and updates about the Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are off to a 3-0 start, and their depth is already making a statement. Minnesota's supporting cast is proving it can make a difference.
Anthony Edwards championed the acquisition of Jonathan Kuminga, and three games into his Minnesota Timberwolves debut, Kuminga is already exceeding expectations. He’s posted double‑figure scoring in every game, including 13 points on 7‑of‑11 shooting from three in a 117–94 win over Toronto, while also delivering seven assists, eight rebounds and relentless defense against stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Coach Chris Finch praises his willingness to embrace tough assignments, move the ball and trust the offense, and veteran Rudy Gobert notes Kuminga’s growing composure. The rookie’s balanced impact hints at a pivotal role alongside Edwards and LaMelo Ball as Minnesota builds momentum.
LaMelo Ball used unconventional methods to ensure his teammates were always ready for his passes.
The Toronto Raptors tumble to a 117-94 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 26, 2026. Minnesota erupts early, outscoring Toronto 32-21 in the first quarter and shooting 12‑for‑18 overall, while the Raptors struggle with a 9‑for‑29 field performance and 1‑for‑10 from three. RJ Barrett’s 11 points and a brief second‑quarter rally aren’t enough to offset Scottie Barnes’ 0‑for‑12 night and Jakob Poeltl’s zero‑point, one‑rebound outing. Kawhi Leonard misses the game with a swollen knee, leaving the Raptors without a needed stabilizer. The loss highlights persistent shooting woes and a need for Barnes and Poeltl to elevate their play.
Kevin Garnett admits he almost signed with the Los Angeles Lakers before opting for the Boston Celtics in 2007. He says early talks with the Lakers fell apart because of communication issues with Kobe Bryant, prompting his move to Boston where he later won a championship. The revelation adds new context to Garnett's post‑Timberwolves career, highlighting how a missed Lakers deal shaped NBA history.
LaMelo Ball played just under 17 minutes on Sunday night, but his impact jumped off the screen and stat sheet, which sparked a blowout win for the Timberwolves.
The Toronto Raptors host back‑to‑back games against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 28 (7:30 PM) and Oct. 30, turning both nights into Halloween‑themed spectacles. The first features a fan costume contest and glow‑in‑the‑dark skeleton Raptor merch, while the second counts toward the Emirates NBA Cup group stage, where Toronto hopes to rebound from an Oct. 25 loss to Minnesota. Both teams are dealing with injuries—Kawhi Leonard’s status remains uncertain and the Magic are without Paolo Banchero and possibly Jalen Suggs—giving the Raptors a chance to regain momentum and vie for a Cup upset.
The Minnesota Timberwolves dismantled Toronto’s star forward Scottie Barnes, holding him to 0‑for‑12 shooting in a 117‑94 loss at the Target Center on Oct. 26, 2026. Coach Chris Finch praised a collective defensive effort that rotated Jonathan Kuminga, Jaden McDaniels, Trey Lyles and veteran Rudy Gobert to deny Barnes his preferred spots, forcing him into difficult shots. Barnes recorded four steals, a block, three rebounds and three assists, but his scoring void contributed to Toronto’s 35‑for‑91 field‑goal night. Raptors’ LaMelo Ball noted the Wolves’ switch‑heavy scheme, while Toronto’s other contributors – Ja’Kobe Walter (22), RJ Barrett (20) and Immanuel Quickley (19) – couldn’t close the gap.
The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Cleveland on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, for a 7:00 p.m. ET showdown at Rocket Arena. The game airs locally on WUAB (Channel 43) and streams on DAZN, with NBA League Pass available elsewhere. The Timberwolves lose guard Donte DiVincenzo (right Achilles), while the Cavaliers sit frontcourt players Khalifa Diop (left knee), Nae’Qwan Tomlin (back) and G‑League call‑up Ernest Udeh Jr. Expected starters include Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, LaMelo Ball and Rudy Gobert for Minnesota, and James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Peyton Watson and Jarrett Allen for Cleveland. Both squads must adjust their rotations amid the absences as they seek early‑season momentum.
LaMelo Ball celebrates his first regular‑season home game with the Minnesota Timberwolves, helping the Wolves to a 117‑94 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Oct. 26, 2026. Despite limited minutes due to foul trouble, Ball scored 15 points on 4‑of‑5 three‑pointers in 16 minutes and praised the fan support. Anthony Edwards led with 26 points, while Rudy Gobert grabbed 13 rebounds as Minnesota surged to a 3‑0 start, winning its first three contests by 22‑32 points. Acquired in a June four‑team trade, Ball’s early impact fuels optimism for the new backcourt duo with Edwards.
LaMelo Ball reflects on his first home debut with the Minnesota Timberwolves, praising the team's defensive intensity after a 117-94 win over the Toronto Raptors at the Target Center on Sunday. He discusses how he’s adapting to new teammates as the Wolves start 3-0, marking their third consecutive victory by 20+ points. Ball’s comments highlight the early chemistry and confidence fueling Minnesota’s strong start.
After a 117-94 win over the Toronto Raptors, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch attributes the victory to relentless defense and highlights Jonathan Kuminga’s rapid growth. Minnesota’s first three games of the season are all blowouts—wins by 25, 22 and 23 points—and they limited the Raptors to just 38% shooting overall and 26% from three. Finch breaks down how the scheme smothered Scottie Barnes, showing why the Wolves are an early defensive powerhouse.
Anthony Edwards pours in 26 points in 28 minutes as the Minnesota Timberwolves dominate the Toronto Raptors 117-94 in their home opener, extending their perfect start to 3-0. The win marks the Wolves’ third straight victory by over 20 points, following similar blowouts of the Miami Heat and another opponent. Minnesota’s early-season surge keeps them unbeaten heading into the next matchup.
The Minnesota Timberwolves crush the Toronto Raptors 123‑100 on Oct. 26, 2026, snapping Scottie Barnes’ scoring streak as he goes 0‑for‑12 and posts a minus‑27 rating, tying a franchise record for missed attempts. Coach Chris Finch credits the collective effort—highlighting Jaden McDaniels, Trey Lyles and Rudy Gobert—for limiting Toronto to 38.5% shooting and 26.3% from three, while also out‑rebounding them 40‑20. With Kawhi Leonard sidelined, the Raptors relied on Barnes, who couldn’t find a bucket. The win marks the Wolves’ third straight victory and keeps them undefeated heading into a back‑to‑back trip to Cleveland. Gobert praises the defensive mindset, noting room to grow but confidence for continued success.
The Minnesota Timberwolves cruise to a 117-94 win over a Kawhi Leonard‑less Toronto Raptors, pushing their season start to 3‑0. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball spark the offense, with Ball scoring 15 points on 4‑of‑5 three‑pointers and dishing eight assists in just 17 minutes, posting a +33 plus‑minus. Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels anchor a defense that holds Toronto to 38% shooting and silences Scottie Barnes (0‑12). The victory showcases the Wolves’ emerging championship potential and suggests a new narrative of consistency against weaker Eastern Conference foes.
Kawhi Leonard misses Thursday’s game as the Raptors fall 117-94 to the Timberwolves, dropping to 2-1 while Minnesota improves to 3-0. Leonard was listed with left‑knee swelling just before tip‑off and will undergo further testing, leaving his status for Wednesday’s matchup with Orlando uncertain. The 35‑year‑old logged 16 points, nine rebounds and three steals in a Friday win over Washington, but his injury history raises concerns. Ja’Kobe Walter stepped in, scoring 22, as RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley added 20 and 19 respectively.
The Toronto Raptors suffered a 117-94 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their season opener without Kawhi Leonard, sparking concerns about the team's future. While Scottie Barnes went 0‑12, RJ Barrett showed his worth with 20 points and three steals, and bench player Ja’Kobe Walter dropped 22 points on 62.5% shooting from three. The article argues that Barrett could become the long‑term second‑option offense, but warns that Jakob Poeltl’s continued lack of production—zero points and no double‑digit rebounds over three games—remains a major issue, especially with his contract extension looming.
The Raptors fall 117‑94 to the Timberwolves on Oct. 26, 2026, as RJ Barrett’s 20‑point effort proves to be the lone bright spot. Barrett’s aggressive drives and a slick layup over Rudy Gobert highlight his offensive value, while Scottie Barnes goes cold, finishing 0‑12 and drawing heavy criticism. Immanuel Quickley adds 19 points, but the team struggles with rebounding—Jakob Poeltl grabs just one board—and defensive lapses. Rookie Ja’Kobe Walter shines with 22 points and solid defense, stepping up after Kawhi Leonard’s injury. The loss underscores Toronto’s offensive woes and raises questions about Barnes’s role and the front‑court’s effectiveness.
The Toronto Raptors’ 118‑109 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 26, 2026 highlights deep offensive woes and raises doubts about Scottie Barnes’ role. Minnesota shot efficiently, going 5‑6 and 8‑12 from three, while Toronto struggled to generate offense, committing multiple turnovers and missing the rim entirely—including Barnes, who finished with zero points. Despite a resilient first half that saw RJ Barrett and Collin Murray‑Boyles spark a brief comeback, the lack of pull‑up shooting and playmaking left the Raptors floundering, especially without Kawhi Leonard. The defeat underscores an urgent need to redefine Barnes’ fit and address the team’s 3‑point and transition deficiencies.
Karl-Anthony Towns has already made a strong case for having the best Halloween costume among his NBA peers.
Following his release from the Los Angeles Lakers last week, Dalton Knecht decided to join the defending champions.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković praised the dynamic guard duo of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball before Toronto's season‑opening matchup at Minnesota. He highlighted their 93 points and 18 threes in two games, calling them “the beauty of the NBA,” while noting the supporting talent around them. Both teams sit 2‑0, with the Timberwolves hosting their home opener at Target Center. Toronto will be without recent acquisition Kawhi Leonard, sidelined with knee swelling.
The Toronto Raptors announce that Kawhi Leonard will miss tonight’s game against the 2‑0 Minnesota Timberwolves due to swelling in his left knee. Leonard felt the issue during warm‑ups and was ruled out after a quick medical evaluation; further tests are scheduled for tomorrow with an update expected by Tuesday. Ja’Kobe Walter steps into the starting lineup alongside Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl. The injury comes early in the season as both teams sit unbeaten, and the Raptors’ elite defense now must cope without Leonard’s usual impact.
Kawhi Leonard misses his first game back with the Toronto Raptors due to knee swelling, sidelining him for the crucial Sunday showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ja’Kobe Walter steps into the starting lineup as the two undefeated teams face off, providing an early test of the Raptors’ depth without Leonard. The article notes Leonard’s recent 27‑minute, 112‑102 win over the Wizards and his historic 60‑game 2019 season, while previewing upcoming back‑to‑back games against the Lakers and Clippers.
The Toronto Raptors sit 2‑0 to start the season but will be without Kawhi Leonard for their upcoming clash with unbeaten Minnesota. NBA insider Marc Stein reports Leonard is out with left‑knee swelling, adding to a history of knee issues that have limited his playing time. Leonard, who has struggled offensively in the first two games, said fans must be patient as medical staff manage his minutes. Despite the loss, the Raptors rely on a balanced roster to stay competitive against the Timberwolves. The situation raises questions about Leonard’s short‑term availability and long‑term health management.